Sophia Delgado
Growing your nails can be a challenging and time-consuming process, as nail growth differs for everyone. However, there are several methods to help your nails grow stronger and faster. Firstly, it is important to maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Consuming foods such as eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and leafy greens can provide essential nutrients for nail health. Additionally, taking supplements such as biotin, keratin, or folic acid can aid in nail growth and strength. Protecting your nails from harsh chemicals and keeping them moisturized is also crucial. Regular nail grooming, including filing and moisturizing with oils, can help prevent breakage and promote growth. Lastly, avoiding activities that can damage your nails, such as improper gel removal or opening parcels with your hands, can help support the growth of strong and healthy nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vitamins and supplements | Biotin, a type of B vitamin, increases nail thickness and improves nail smoothness |
| Folic acid repairs and multiplies the cells that make up nails | |
| Calcium, gelatin, vitamin C, silica, and iron | |
| Diet | A well-balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats |
| Foods like eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and leafy greens | |
| Nail grooming | Filing nails to keep them free of snags that may cause splitting |
| Trimming nails straight across and rounding the tips into a soft curve | |
| Moisturizing hands and nails with lotion or natural oils | |
| Using nail hardeners | |
| Avoiding excessive buffing or filing | |
| Keeping nails dry and clean | |
| Other | Protecting nails from harsh chemicals and temperature changes |
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What You'll Learn
Consume vitamins and supplements
Consuming vitamins and supplements can help support nail growth and strengthen your nails. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a popular supplement for hair, skin, and nail health. It is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body process glucose, fats, and proteins. Biotin is found in many foods, including organ meats, egg yolks, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and beans. Several studies have shown that taking a biotin supplement daily can help improve nail firmness, hardness, and thickness. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any supplements, as biotin may interfere with certain laboratory tests.
In addition to biotin, consuming a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can contribute to healthier nail growth. Nails are made primarily of a protein called keratin, so ensuring adequate protein intake is important for nail health. Good sources of protein include eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and dairy products.
Certain vitamins and minerals are also important for nail health. Vitamin A, found in orange and yellow vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers, is essential for strong and healthy nail growth. Vitamin D, found in eggs and fatty fish like salmon, helps regulate calcium levels and promotes nail growth. Iron, found in leafy greens such as spinach and kale, is necessary for keeping nails strong and healthy. Finally, zinc, found in animal proteins and certain plant foods, is required for the healthy growth of nails.
Collagen supplements, especially those in powder form, can also improve nail health by increasing hydration and elasticity. However, it is always best to prioritize a nutrient-rich diet over supplements, as scientific evidence for the effectiveness of nail supplements is limited.
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Protect nails from chemicals
Protecting your nails from chemicals is an important step in maintaining nail health and promoting faster growth. Here are some ways you can do this:
Choose your nail products carefully:
Some nail polishes and treatments contain harsh chemicals that can weaken nails and hinder their growth. Avoid polishes that contain formaldehyde, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), toluene, formaldehyde resin, camphor, TPHP, and xylene. These chemicals can cause allergic contact dermatitis and other health issues. Look for non-toxic, "3-free," "5-free," or "7-free" polishes, which are free from these harmful substances. Additionally, opt for acetone-free nail polish removers and avoid aggressive buffing or forcefully scraping the nail plate during manicures.
Wear gloves:
When doing household chores, wear rubber gloves to protect your nails from the chemicals in cleaning products. Also, wear gloves when washing dishes to minimize nail contact with water, as excessive water exposure can lead to weak and brittle nails.
Be mindful of hand sanitizer use:
Hand sanitizers can dry out your nails and lead to brittleness. Try to avoid getting hand sanitizer on your nails, and use it in moderation.
Limit gel and acrylic manicures:
Frequent gel or acrylic manicures can cause nail peeling and weakening. These manicures often involve excessive acetone exposure during removal, which is very drying to the nail. If you choose to get these manicures, do so sparingly and for special occasions.
Moisturize and nourish your nails:
Frequent moisturizing can prevent further nail impairment. Use hand creams or ointments, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment, to nourish and protect your nails from future damage by locking in moisture.
Consider nail hardeners and supplements:
Over-the-counter nail hardeners can temporarily strengthen nails, but for long-term use, prescription strengtheners are recommended. These contain chemicals that increase nail strength and trap moisture to prevent brittleness. Additionally, consider taking a biotin supplement, also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, to help strengthen your nails from within. However, always consult with your healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
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Maintain a healthy diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for nail growth. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, adequate carbohydrates, and plenty of healthy fats is ideal for promoting nail growth and overall health.
Protein is a crucial component of a healthy diet for nail growth. It aids in the formation of keratin, which is a protein that makes up the nails. Include lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, eggs, and dairy products in your diet to increase your protein intake. Eggs are particularly beneficial as they are a rich source of biotin, which helps with nail thickness and overall nail health.
In addition to protein, vitamins and minerals are essential for nail growth. Include vitamin C-rich foods like bell peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and kiwi to strengthen nails and promote growth. Vitamin A, found in sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, and mangoes, is also important for nail health.
Zinc, found in oysters, steak, crab, beans, nuts, and fortified cereals, is another key nutrient for nail growth. Lentils and beans are excellent sources of biotin and iron, which help prevent anemia, a condition that can negatively affect nail health.
Fatty acids, such as those found in salmon, also promote nail growth by maintaining cell growth and improving overall nail health. Salmon is abundant in vitamin B12, which is necessary for the development of healthy red blood cells.
Finally, staying hydrated is crucial for nail health. Water aids in delivering nutrients and oxygen to the cells, keeping nails moisturized and preventing them from becoming dry and brittle. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day and include hydrating foods like fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and soups in your diet.
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File and moisturise nails
While there is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster, taking good care of your nails through proper nutrition and nail grooming can help them grow strong and long over time.
File Your Nails
Filing your nails can prevent jagged edges that may get caught and cause splitting or breakage. Dr. Bailey recommends wetting your nails first to "soften the structure and make it pliable." Always file in one direction with swift, smooth strokes, using a soft nail file. Avoid filing back and forth, as this can cause splintering. Keep your nails filed into a slightly rounded or squared shape to prevent snagging and breaking.
Moisturise Your Nails
Moisturising your nails and hands can help prevent dry skin, which can damage the nails as they grow. It is recommended to moisturise your hands and nails during the winter months, after washing your hands, and after swimming or showering. You can use a lotion or cream, making sure to rub it into your fingernails, especially at the base where the cuticles are located. Natural oils can also act as a "glue," holding together the layers within the nail and strengthening the nail itself.
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Use nail growth serums
Using nail growth serums can be an effective way to promote nail growth and strengthen your nails. These serums are formulated with ingredients that offer strengthening, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and growth-promoting properties. They work by absorbing into the nail plate and the surrounding skin, providing flexibility and elasticity to prevent nails from peeling and splitting.
There are numerous nail growth serums available on the market, and choosing the right one can depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some popular options:
- Olive & June's serum has won several awards for its easy-to-use packaging and formula. It comes with a foam tip for precise, mess-free application and contains ingredients like avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, and sunflower seed oil. It is recommended to apply it twice a day to keep your cuticles smooth and the nail bed shiny.
- OPI's nail serum repairs the nail's natural keratin bonds from within and is easy to use with its brush applicator. The formula is thin and non-oily, providing much-needed hydration to dehydrated nails.
- Essie's To the Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair is a favourite of celebrity manicurist Aja Wilson. It improves nail health with a nourishing formula enriched with ceramides, keratin, and a tripartite protein complex. It is ideal for those who frequently use UV gel treatments.
- Rejuvacote 1 Nail Growth System by Ella + Mila is another celebrity manicurist-approved serum. It uses a formula with hydrolyzed wheat protein, soy protein, and calcium to protect nails from breakage, brittleness, and chipping. It is especially useful after removing acrylics or gels.
- Advanced Hard as Nails Strengthener by Sally Hansen is an affordable classic that reinforces your nails with omega 3, soy, and retinol. It leaves a shiny, crystal-clear finish that combats breakage and chipping. It dries quickly, making it convenient for everyday use.
While using nail growth serums can be beneficial, it is important to remember that healthy nail growth also depends on a well-balanced diet, proper nail care, and overall lifestyle factors.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no magic solution to make your nails grow faster. However, you can take care of your nails and make them stronger and less prone to breakage.
You can make your nails stronger by regularly moisturising your hands and nails with a lotion, especially at the base where the cuticles are located. You can also try using a nail hardener, which gets painted onto nails like a polish.
Biotin, a type of B vitamin, can increase nail thickness and improve nail smoothness. Calcium, gelatin, vitamin C, silica, folic acid, and iron may also help your nails grow.
A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can contribute to healthier nail growth. Try to eat foods like eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, leafy greens, onions, and leeks.
Over-the-counter nail growth serums are available that claim to promote faster nail growth. Minoxidil, applied topically, can stimulate nail growth, but you should consult with your doctor before using it. Glue-on artificial nails can weaken real nails, so instead, try using nail polishes with little to no toxic chemicals.
